Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Akers, Goldie Oziah]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 11, 1965     p. 4

Mrs. Merle Akers Rites Feb. 4

Funeral services for Mrs. Merle (Goldie) Akers, 55, of Gravity, held Feb. 4 at State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. Ross Keyt. Mrs. Akers died Feb. 1 at Rosary Hospital in Corning at the age of 55 years, eight months, 11 days.

Goldie Oziah Akers, daughter of Elmer and Jennie Oziah, was born April 20, 1909, at Shenandoah, Iowa, where she spent her childhood, then moved with her parents to Taylor county.

Goldie Oziah was married to Merle Akers September 3, 1930. To this union five children were born: Lloyd Akers of Gravity; Duane Akers of Corning; Junior Akers of Gravity; Mrs. Darlene Armstrong of Carbon; Deloris Akers of Gravity.

Later in life she was blessed with five grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband; her children; two brothers, Gerald Kent Oziah of Clarinda, Lucius Elmer Oziah of Shannon City; two sisters, Mrs. Raymond Crawford, New Market; Mrs. Marie Gardner, Buckley, Wash.; five grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, one sister, three brothers, a grandson, Randy.

Goldie was a willing worker whether it was for the church, family or to help friends and neighbors. She never complained but made the best of every situation.

She will be greatly missed by her family, many friends and neighbors.

[Richardson, Benjamin Franklin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 24, 1938    [p. 1]

Civil War Veteran At Gravity Dies

B. [enjamin] F. [ranklin] Richardson, 98, Civil war veteran, died at his home in Gravity Wednesday, March 23.

The funeral services will be held at the Christian church in Gravity at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, March 25, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck of Bedford. Burial will be in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Benjamin Franklin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 31, 1938     p. 7

GRAVITY

Attend Richardson Funeral

Relatives from a distance, who attended the funeral services for B. [enjamin] F.[ranklin] Richardson Friday were as follows: Mrs. Ella Laird of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mrs. Nellie Perry and son of Westminster, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Homer Jacobs of Potwin, Kans., Mrs. Ina Scrivner of Colorado Springs.

[Richardson, Benjamin Franklin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 31, 1938     p. 8

B. F. RICHARDSON

Benjamin Franklin Richardson, son of Silas and Catherine [Storm] Richardson, was born Nov. 16, 1839 in Muscatine county, Iowa, and passed away at his home in Gravity, Wednesday, March 23, 1938, at the age of 98 years, 4 months and 7 days. He was one of a family of twelve children, all preceding him in death with the exception of two.

He lived his entire life in Iowa, except the time he served in the army during the Civil War. At the age of 17 years he moved with his parents to Keokuk, Iowa, where he resided until August 10, 1861, when he enlisted with Company F, 8th Infantry in the Union Army. On April 6, 1862, during the Battle of Shiloh, he was taken prisoner and held for two months. He was then exchanged and paroled. Six months later he re-enlisted and served in the Army until he was discharged on April 20, 1866.

Jan. 10, 1867 he was married to Lilah Reynolds at Sigourney, Iowa. To them were born four daughters, all of whom have cared for their father since the death of his companion on July 1, 1936.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Richardson moved to Taylor County, where they farmed until 1907, when they moved into Gravity to spend the remainder of their days.

In 1885 he united with the Presbyterian Church at Prairie Chapel but while in Gravity he attended the Church of Christ, when his health permitted. He lived a Christian life and was very devoted to his family.

He is survived by his four daughters, Mary C. [atherine] Johnston and Effie G.[ourilda] Konecne of Gravity, Ella M. [ae] Laird of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Iva B. [elle] Irwin of Westminster, Colo. Also by a brother and sister, Rile Richardson and Kate Estle, both of Gravity; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren.

The funeral services were held at the Church of Christ in Gravity Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck of Bedford. Members of the American Legion acted as pallbearers. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Frances Ann “Fannie” Neville]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      April 23, 1953     p. 4

Obituary - Mrs. W. R. Richardson

Frances Ann Neville, daughter of Margaret and James Neville, was born Jan. 18, 1866 in Peoria, Ill., and died April 17, 1953 at the age of 87 years, two months, 30 days.

She was one of seven children, all of whom together with her parents have preceded her in death except one sister, Mrs. Margaret Morris of Pasadena, Texas.

She was married Oct. 23, 1889 to William Benjamin Richardson. To them were born four children, Mrs. Mae Miller of Omaha, Mrs. Carrie [Jane] Young and [William] Earl Richardson of Gravity, and James Carl Richardson, who died in 1904.

She came to Iowa in 1883 and her early married years were spent on a farm north of Gravity. She later moved to a farm south of Gravity.

She united with the Christian church in Gravity in 1909 and has been an active member.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Gravity Sunday afternoon, April 19, conducted by Rev. Benj. R. Hollis of the Bedford Christian church. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin Pepler]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 14, 1944     p. 3

GRAVITY

Mrs. W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson of Gravity died Saturday noon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tom Roberts at Bedford. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Roberts home Tuesday from Gravity.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin Pepler]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 14, 1944     p. 5

Funeral Services For Mrs. Richardson Fri.

Funeral services for Mrs. W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson of Gravity will be held at one o'clock Friday afternoon, Sept. 15.

Burial will be in the Gravity cemetery. Mrs. Richardson died about noon Saturday at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Roberts, near Bedford. She was a sister of George Irwin of Bedford.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin Pepler]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     September 14, 1944    [p. 1]

Mrs W. R. Richardson Passed Away Saturday

Mrs W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson, 78, passed away Saturday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs Tom Roberts near Bedford. While not in the best of health for some time, she was able to attend the birthday anniversary of her sister-in-law, Mrs Kate Estle Tuesday and at that time seemed in about her usual health. She and her husband went from the Estle home to the home of her daughter Tuesday evening, and she was taken suddenly ill during the night. She failed to respond to medical treatment and passed away Saturday forenoon.

The funeral service has been delayed awaiting the arrival of her grandson, in army training at Martha's Vineyard, Mass. The funeral will be held at 1:00 tomorrow in the Christian church here.

Mrs Richardson was a pioneer resident of this community. Besides her husband she leaves two brothers and one sister, Mrs E. [ugene] J. [oseph] Posten of Gravity, George Irwin of Bedford, and Will Irwin of Clarinda. Four children, one son, and three daughters: Mrs Cora White of Gravity, Jim [James Estel] Richardson of Conway, Mrs Tom Roberts of Bedford and Mrs Walter Hunt of Clarinda.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin Pepler]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     September 21, 1944    [p. 1]

Obituary, Mrs W. R. Richardson

Susan Emily Irwin, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Ann Irwin was born August 7, 1867 in Warren, Ill., and passed away Saturday, September 9, 1944, at the age of 77 years, 1 month, and 2 days at the home of daughter, Mrs Tom Roberts [Catherine] of near Bedford.

When a small child she came with her parents, in a covered wagon, to Taylor county where she spent the remaining years of her life.

On March 17, 1885 she was united in marriage to George Pepler. To this union one daughter, Cora Ann was born. The husband and father passed way in June 1887.

On November 25, 1894, she was united in marriage to W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson. To this union, two daughters and a son were born, Catherine May, Elnora Margaret and James Estle.

She lived on a farm north of Gravity until she moved to her present home twenty-three years ago.

She was a charter member of the Oak Hill church. Upon moving to Gravity she placed her membership with the Christian church where she was an active member as long as health would permit, having served as president of the Ladies Aid in both churches. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter.

She was a kind and loving mother. Her home was always open to her family. The day was never too long or tiresome when spent with relatives or friends. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and a host of friends.

She is survived by her husband and four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs Ida Posten, two brothers, William N. of Clarinda and George F. of Bedford.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, one sister, Mrs Jane Posten; four brothers, James H., Robert E., Henry and one dying in infancy; also one son-in-law, Oscar White.

The funeral service was held in the Christian church, conducted by the Rev. C. E. Eppard of Clarinda, a former pastor of the church here. The music was by a mixed quartette composed of Mrs Cleo Savage, Mrs Dorothy Lewis, Earl King and L. E. Morley.

The pallbearers were: Walter Hunt, Tom Roberts, Jim Richardson, Glen Irwin, Howard Irwin and John Agnew. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin Pepler]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     September 21, 1944      p. 4

Those from a distance attending the funeral of Mrs W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson Friday afternoon were her grandson, Raymond R. Hunt of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass, Miss Mildred Hunt of Des Moines, Mrs Floyd White of Wichita, Kansas, Mr and Mrs Frank Murdock, Mr and Mrs Eoen Rogers, Morris, Albert and Chester Reichardt all of Corning and Mrs A. W. Bender of Red Oak.

[Richardson, Susan Emily Irwin]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    September 14, 1944     [p. 1]

Rites Held for Mrs. Richardson

Mrs. Rile [Winfield Riley] Richardson [Susan Emily Irwin], 78, of Gravity died suddenly while visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tom Roberts, southwest of Bedford, Saturday, September 9.  Funeral services will be held at the Christian church in Gravity Friday afternoon at 1:00 o’clock, conducted by Rev. C. M. Eppard of Clarinda.

Interment will be held in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Vera Young]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     October 15, 1908    p. 5

Brought Home to be Buried

On Saturday of last week all that was mortal of Mrs. Vera Young Richardson was laid to rest in Forest Grove cemetery. The funeral was held at the Christian Church at 10 o'clock, Saturday, conducted by Rev. Geo. A. Hendrickson.

The death of Mrs. Young occurred at her late home in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 10:30 Wednesday evening. The body was prepared for shipment and accompanied by the bereaved relatives arrived here Friday. Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Young, who formerly lived here and much of the earlier life of the deceased was spent at Bedford and vicinity. Later she moved with her husband to Lincoln, Neb., which was her home at the time of her death.

Mrs. Richardson, at the time of her death was 27 years, 6 months and 14 days old. She is survived by her father, five sisters and one brother.

[Richardson, William Benjamin “Ben”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 1, 1944     p. 5

W. B. RICHARDSON

William Benjamin Richardson, son of George and Mary Jane Richardson, was born near Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa, Feb. 12, 1862, and died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda May 26, 1944 at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 14 days. He was one of a family of thirteen children.

He came to Taylor County in the year 1881 and was married to Frances Ann Neville October 23, 1889 at Bedford. To them were born four children, Mrs. Mae Miller of Omaha, Mrs. Carrie [Jane] Young and [William] Earl Richardson of Gravity and James Carl Richardson, deceased in the year 1904. His early married years were spent on a farm north of Gravity, later moving to the farm south of Gravity where he had resided for more than forty years.

He joined the Christian church 39 years ago, and had served both as an elder and deacon. He was a fine Christian neighbor and a wonderful husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held from the Christian church at Gravity Monday, May 29, at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. C. M. Eppard of Clarinda. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Winfield Riley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 26, 1948     [p. 1]

Aged Man Dies Wednesday

Riley Richardson, 95, a resident of Taylor County for many years, died about 11 o’clock Wednesday night at the home of his daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunt in Bedford.

The funeral services will be held at the Christian church in Gravity at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Burial will be in the Gravity cemetery.

[Richardson, Winfield Riley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 2, 1948     [p. 1]

Obituary - W. R. Richardson

Funeral services for W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson, who died Wednesday, August 25, were held at the Christian church in Gravity Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. H. Cowles of the Bedford Baptist Church. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

W. [infield] R. [iley] Richardson, son of Silas and Catherine [Storm] Richardson, was born in Louisa county, Muscatine, Iowa, October 17, 1852, being aged 95 years, 10 months and 8 days at the time of his death.

On November 23, 1894 he was married to Susan Emily Irwin.

He is survived by one son, James [Estel] Richardson of Bedford; three daughters: Mrs. Cora White of Gravity, Mrs. Kathryn May Roberts and Mrs. Elinor [Elnora] Margaret Hunt of Bedford; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, 9 brothers, and his wife, who died in 1944.

Mr. Richardson was a charter member of the Oak Hill Christian Church north of Gravity, and served for many years as a deacon there. He later moved his membership to the church at Gravity.

[Robbins, Frank Gerald]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 21, 1940      p. 6

FRANK ROBBINS

Frank Robbins died at the Veterans’ Hospital at Knoxville, Iowa, Monday, March 18. The body was brought to Bedford and the funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2:30 o’clock Friday afternoon, with burial in the Fairview cemetery. Military honors will be given at the cemetery by Legionnaires.

Frank Gerald Robbins, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. [ezekiah] A. [lexander] Robbins, was born in Bedford, Iowa, August 30, 1896, being aged 43 years, 6 months and 18 days at the time of his death.

He attended the public schools of Bedford until the age of 12, when he with his mother, brothers and sisters moved to Hopkins, Mo., where he remained for one year and then returned to Bedford to make his home.

He enlisted in the army and entered the World War to serve with Co. K. 163 Inf. 42nd Division. On July 15, 1918 he was seriously wounded in action near Suippes, France, and was in the hospital in France for six months after which he returned home.

He has been in the hospital eleven years trying to overcome this illness.

He was married May 12, 1923 to Leatha Dofner. To them three children were born, Harry [Gerald], 16, Robert 14 and Betty 11 years old. The children reside with their mother in Bedford.

He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Eva Golding of Bedford; three brothers, Beryl Robbins of Indianapolis, Ind., Arthur Robbins of Bedford, Harry Robbins of Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Mrs. L. [awrence] W. Pella [Stella] of Kansas City and Mrs. Robt. Filson [Grace Belle] of Hopkins; and a half-sister, Mrs. Charlie Crawford of Kettle Falls, Wash.

His father and three brothers preceded him in death.

Frank's friends were numbered by his acquaintances. He was a kind, devoted and loving husband, father, son and brother.

[Robbins, Beryl Francis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 5, 1963     p. 8

FORMER BEDFORD RESIDENT DIES

Graveside services were held Tuesday (Sept. 3) for Beryl F. [rancis] Robbins, 64, former Bedford resident, at Fairview cemetery in Bedford at 4 00 p.m. with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating.

Mr Robbins died Aug. 30 following an apparent heart attack at his new home in Webb City Mo.

His widow, Mrs. Ruth [Kinney] Robbins, survives.

[Robbins, Beryl Francis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 12, 1963    p. 8

Beryl Robbins Rites Held Here

Funeral services for Beryl F. [rancis] Robbins. 64, of Webb City, Mo., held Sept. 2 at Mason Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, Mo., were conducted by Rev. Edwin B. Strong. Mr. Robbins died of an apparent heart attack after mowing his yard. Graveside services by the Bedford American Legion and interment were held Sept. 3 at Bedford Fairview cemetery with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating.

Mr. Robbins was born October 29, 1898, at Bedford, Iowa. He was a retired farmer and carpenter. He moved to the Joplin area from Indiana 13 years ago. On Aug. 29 he and Mrs. Robbins moved to their new home in Webb City.

A veteran of World II, he was a member of Disabled American Veterans, chapter 21 of the Show-Me state, and the Robert S. Thurman post, No. 13, American Legion. He was a member of the Villa Heights Christian church.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ruth [Kinney] Robbins, whom he married July 28, 1920, at Council Bluffs, Iowa; a brother, Arthur Robbins of Kansas City; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Filson of Hopkins, Mo., and Mrs. Stella Pella of Nevada, and a half-sister, Mrs. Opal Crawford of Chewelah, Wash.

[Wainwright, Sarah Blanche Pfander]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      November 9, 1950       [p. 1]

Sarah Blanche Wainwright

Sarah Blanche Pfander, daughter of John W. [esley] and Emma F. [Garrison] Pfander, was born near Clarinda, Iowa, May 11, 1888. In 1894, the family moved to Taylor County. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Gravity and was active in church work there and at Gilead for many years.

She was a member of the class of 1906 of Gravity High school. She taught school at Lee No. 7 southeast of Gravity, and also at Pin Hook School, southeast of Clarinda.

She was united in marriage to Edgar L. [awrence] Wainwright, April 8, 1908, at Clarinda and lived for 23 years on a farm four miles southwest of Gravity. In  1936, the family moved to the old Wainwright homestead seven miles west of Bedford. After an illness of two years she died at the Clarinda Municipal hospital, Oct. 31.

She was active in community work for many years giving the state college extension lessons in her township and serving in later years as county chairman in this work. She also was a district officer in the federated women’s clubs of Iowa. She expressed her lifelong interest in flowers by developing at her home one of the outstanding show gardens of southwestern Iowa. Her specialty in flower culture was hybridizing hymenocallis.